Abstract: The cationic iridium carbene complexes [Ir(cod)(N)(L)]X have been synthesized by reaction of [Ir(cod)(py)2]PF6 with L or NL ligands. Complexes of this type are active hydrogenation catalysts capable of hydrogenating simple olefins at room temperature and atmospheric pressure of hydrogen or by transfer hydrogenation.

Abstract: A process for conducting coupling reactions of aryl halides with unsaturated silanes is described. The processes use N-heterocyclic carbenes as ancillary ligands in these coupling reactions. A coupling of an aryl halide with an unsaturated silane can be carried out by mixing, in a liquid medium, at least one strong base; at least one aryl halide or aryl pseudohalide in which all substituents are other than silyl groups, wherein the aryl halide has, directly bonded to the aromatic ring(s), at least one chlorine atom, bromine atom, or iodine atom; at least one silane wherein the silicon atom is quaternary, wherein one group bound to the silicon atom is unsaturated at the alpha or beta position, and wherein each of the remaining groups bound to the silicon atom is a saturated hydrocarbyl or a saturated hydrocarbyloxy group; at least one nickel, palladium, or platinum compound, wherein the formal oxidation state of the metal is zero or two; and at least one N-heterocyclic carbene.

Abstract: The cationic iridium carbene complexes [Ir(cod)(N)(L)]X have been synthesized by reaction of [Ir(cod)(py)2]PF6 with L or NL ligands. Complexes of this type are active hydrogenation catalysts capable of hydrogenating simple olefins at room temperature and atmospheric pressure of hydrogen or by transfer hydrogenation.